A budget is never just about numbers. It also sets priorities. It reflects the government’s plans, the concerns of citizens, and the upcoming elections. The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, does not just allocate money—it also sends political messages. Three key groups emerge as the focus of this budget: the farmers, the state of Bihar, and the middle class. The budget makes promises to them, but what does it really mean? What is left unsaid?
The Farmers: Some Support, But No Big Shift
Agriculture has always been a crucial part of India’s economy and politics. Protests have influenced policies, and lack of attention has led to struggles. This budget focuses on 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, promising better irrigation, post-harvest storage, and financial support. It introduces the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which aims to help 1.7 crore farmers.
An increase in the Kisan Credit Card loan limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh is another step. But beyond these figures, what does this budget offer to farmers who face rising costs, unpredictable crop prices, and changing weather conditions? Will these measures genuinely improve rural livelihoods, or are they just an initial step that needs further strengthening?
Bihar’s Special Focus: Growth or a Pre-Election Strategy?
Bihar was mentioned six times in the budget speech. Why? Because Bihar is heading for elections this year. The promises made—a National Institute of Food Technology, a Makhana Board, new airports, and the expansion of Patna airport—sound promising. But if Bihar was always a priority, why were these announcements not made earlier? The Western Kosi Canal Project, which has been pending for years, now finds a place in the budget.
Political strategies are all about timing, and this budget’s timing is well planned. But how much of these announcements will be implemented? Bihar has seen many promises in the past. The people of Bihar will decide whether they see a genuine development plan or just announcements linked to elections.
The Middle-Class Relief: A Festival Gift or a Political Calculation?
For years, the middle class has felt ignored in policy decisions. Political parties have introduced several welfare schemes for the economically weaker sections, but the salaried taxpayer often felt unheard. However, with the Delhi Assembly elections approaching and growing concerns among urban voters, the government has now turned its attention to them.
Zero income tax up to ₹12 lakh—a major relief for many. The finance minister mentioned the term ‘middle class’ seven times in her speech, and the President repeated it eight times in her address to Parliament. Is this a recognition of their contribution, or an attempt to win their support at the right time?
Tax cuts are always welcome. But will the benefits last in the long run? Will rising prices, increasing education costs, and limited salary growth reduce these advantages? The government presents this budget as a positive move, but one wonders—if the middle class is truly important for the economy, why did it take an election year for such measures to be introduced?
The Unanswered Questions
This budget serves many purposes: it provides economic relief, strengthens election campaigns, and focuses on specific groups. It attempts to balance the perception that the government has prioritized welfare schemes for the poor while overlooking the middle class. It seeks to build political goodwill in Bihar ahead of elections. It tries to address some farming concerns while maintaining broader economic plans.
But some questions remain:
- Will Bihar’s promises be completed beyond the elections?
- Will tax relief continue in the future if economic conditions change?
- Will farmers see real improvements, or will they still face financial struggles?
The budget has been presented. The numbers have been declared. Now, it is time for the people to observe whether these promises bring long-term benefits or are just temporary solutions. While budgets are made in government offices, their impact is felt in the homes of common citizens. And the common citizen is watching, thinking, and deciding.
